Dear Sun Spots: Could you please find out where I can purchase hardware cloth? It is used to make the bottom of garden baskets and also to wash the produce in the basket. I have seen the baskets in gardening catalogs, but would like to make my own. It is fairly large mesh of lightweight plastic. None of the hardware stores seem to carry it. Any help from you or your readers would be greatly appreciated. – Shirley Jones, Buckfield.

Answer: Fabric Warehouse at 104 Washington St. in Auburn carries a Textalene, which is vinyl coated fabric laminated to vinyl, which creates little holes. It’s possible this is what you are looking for. You can contact them at (207) 784-7151. They are open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have the book Tim McGraw’s “A Mother’s Story” to sell? It is out of print. Please call (207) 782-6568. – E.D., Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try contacting Pepperall Books in Lewiston, (207) 344-6900.

Sue Cutting at Artios Books, 180 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 786-4007, says the author is actually Betty Trimble and the title of the book you are seeking “Tim McGraw: A Mother’s Story.” Unfortunately, Artios does not have it in stock. Cutting says it is very rare and hard to find. However, she was able to find two copies: one she would have to bid on, which starts at $125, and another she could buy out right for $189.95. There would be an additional charge of around $3 for shipping the book to Artios. Sun Spots would recommend you contact Cutting to discuss this.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please provide me with the words to “Mansion over the Hilltop? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Words and Music: Ira F. Stanphill



I’m satisfied with just a cottage below,

A little silver and a little gold;

But in that city where the ransomed will shine,

I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.



I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,

In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;

And someday yonder we will never more wander,

But walk the streets that are purest gold.



Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested

And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone,

And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,

I know He’ll give me a mansion my own.



I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,

In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;

And someday yonder we will never more wander,

But walk the streets that are purest gold.



Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely,

I’m not discouraged, I’m heaven bound;

I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city,

I want a mansion, a harp and a crown.



I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,

In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;

And someday yonder we will never more wander,

But walk the streets that are purest gold.

Dear Sun Spots: I am knitting boot-type slippers for all sizes, which I give to needy families, schools, the handicapped or anyone who needs these for no charge. Just get in touch with me if you need any. I am a senior citizen and just need to keep busy. I would be grateful to anyone who has yarn they are not using and would contribute to the cause. I only use 4-ply worsted weight yarn. Please call (207) 743-9431 and ask for Pauline. – Pauline Nadeau, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: I wrote about getting an African violet in yellow for an 88-year-old aunt’s birthday wish. I did as you suggested and called Roaks, but was told they couldn’t help. My son got the answer via the computer. I sent and the violet came in perfect condition, well-protected from the cold. The address is African Violets by Fredericks Inc., P.O. Box 1416, Franklin, NC 28744, (800) 771-0899, (828) 349-3832. – M. of No Town.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

Copy the Story Link